BERNICA International Conference Celebrates Three Years of Transforming Nutrition Education in Central Asia

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – November 7-8, 2025

The Erasmus+ BERNICA project successfully concluded with an international conference that brought together 71 participants from across Central Asia and Europe to celebrate groundbreaking achievements in nutrition and dietetics education reform.

Held November 7-8, 2025, at the Technopark in Bishkek, the conference "Transforming Nutrition & Dietetics Education in Central Asia: Achievements and Future Perspectives" marked the culmination of three years of intensive collaboration among partner institutions from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Austria, and Türkiye.

Unprecedented high-level support

The opening ceremony demonstrated remarkable institutional and governmental commitment, with distinguished speakers including Deputy Ministers from the Kyrgyz Republic's Ministries of Science, Higher Education and Innovation (Dr. Nurlan K. Omurov) and Health (Dr. Bubuzhan K. Arykbaeva), as well as Ms. Maria-Sol Dominguez-Parrado from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency representing the EU Erasmus+ Programme.

Transformative impact across the Central Asian region

The conference showcased BERNICA's substantial achievements:

• 10 new courses developed across 3 modules (15 ECTS credits), fully compliant with Bologna Process requirements.
• 101 faculty members from 8 medical universities trained in nutrition and dietetics pedagogy.
• 144 participants enhanced their professional English language skills.
• 8 laboratories upgraded with modern equipment (€28,900 investment per university).
• 31 research articles published and 8 research projects launched.
• 1,317 students engaged in new nutrition and dietetics programs.

Student research excellence

A dedicated student research session highlighted the project's success in building research capacity, with presentations on topics ranging from artificial intelligence in nutrition science to the impact of energy drinks on sleep quality, demonstrating the high caliber of emerging nutrition researchers in Central Asia.

Landmark declaration adopted

The conference's highlight was the unanimous adoption of the BERNICA International Conference Declaration, signed by 14 institutional leaders and government stakeholders. The Declaration commits all parties to ensuring long-term sustainability, strengthening regional cooperation, advocating for supportive policy frameworks, and fostering innovation in nutrition education.

Looking forward

"This conference represents not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter," stated Dr. Kenesh Dzhusupov, BERNICA Project Coordinator. "The enthusiastic participation and the commitments made through the Declaration demonstrate that we have created a strong foundation for addressing pressing nutrition and health challenges facing Central Asia."

The hybrid format enabled participation from across the region, with 62 in-person attendees and 9 online participants, ensuring maximum reach and inclusivity.

Conference materials, including the Declaration and presentations, are available at https://bernica.org/

Media contact:

Dr. Nazgul Matkerimova

International Higher School of Medicine

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